As Mediators Enter Third Day, Negotiation Push for Iran Deal Punctuated by Threats to Resume Fighting

Talks continue amid threats

Qatari mediators are leading indirect talks between the United States and Iran, with mediators meeting for a third straight day on Sunday. The negotiations are aimed at reaching a deal and preventing a return to fighting.

President Trump said Saturday that the United States still had targets to address in Iran, including a suspected nuclear complex at Pickaxe Mountain. On Sunday, he said he might have to give Tehran “the hammer” at an unspecified time.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei suggested a future round of fighting would have no geographical limits. Both sides have acknowledged that indirect talks are underway while continuing to trade threats.

Trump and Netanyahu speak

Sources cited by Axios said Netanyahu urged Trump to strike Iran, while Trump wants negotiations to continue. Trump has repeatedly suggested he is considering renewed attacks after the midterm elections.

UAE prepares for escalation

An adviser to the United Arab Emirates’ president said the country hopes diplomacy in Qatar can produce a breakthrough but is also preparing for possible escalation between Iran and the United States. Gargash said the UAE did not want another regional confrontation. He added that the country and the wider region were braced for the worst, referring to a possible return to active hostilities.

Vessel incidents reported

A British maritime security agency said a vessel was hit by an unknown projectile on Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatari media had reported an earlier attack on a gas tanker.

Qatar’s state news agency said a Qatari gas tanker was struck by unidentified objects on Friday while traveling through Gulf waters. No crew members were injured, and the report said the incident caused no environmental impact.